Sunday, April 13, 2014

Pellet-spill settlement agreed

April 08, 2014

Parties concerned will compensate the Government for costs incurred in cleaning up blighted waters and coastlines after a massive plastic-pellet spill from a cargo ship during typhoon Vicente in July 2012.

The Marine Department said a settlement was agreed through negotiations, but a usual confidentiality clause bars it from disclosing further details.

On July 23, 2012, the cargo ship was forced to enter Hong Kong waters during the storm. Seven containers - six of which held a combined 150 tonnes of plastic pellets - fell overboard, creating the spill.

The Government thanks the many individuals and civic organisations that worked alongside concerned Government departments to clean up the mess.

In reaching the settlement agreement, the Government took into account the evidence and independent legal advice, and considered the settlement sum reasonable, realistic and acceptable, the department said.

The Government chose to resolve the issue in an amicable manner to avoid the extra costs and resources litigation incurs.

April 08, 2014

Parties concerned will compensate the Government for costs incurred in cleaning up blighted waters and coastlines after a massive plastic-pellet spill from a cargo ship during typhoon Vicente in July 2012.

The Marine Department said a settlement was agreed through negotiations, but a usual confidentiality clause bars it from disclosing further details.

On July 23, 2012, the cargo ship was forced to enter Hong Kong waters during the storm. Seven containers - six of which held a combined 150 tonnes of plastic pellets - fell overboard, creating the spill.

The Government thanks the many individuals and civic organisations that worked alongside concerned Government departments to clean up the mess.

In reaching the settlement agreement, the Government took into account the evidence and independent legal advice, and considered the settlement sum reasonable, realistic and acceptable, the department said.

The Government chose to resolve the issue in an amicable manner to avoid the extra costs and resources litigation incurs.